Over the last number of years, we've seen a number of veteran Real Madrid players depart the club for the next step of their careers. Players like Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Marcelo, and Sergio Ramos for example, who were all cornerstones of Real's past success, have all seen their time at the club come to an end and head off elsewhere.
Another one of those cornerstones to depart was Karim Benzema. The Frenchman departed for the Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad after the 22/23 season. Benzema was once of Saudi Arabia's first big name signings following Cristiano Ronaldo and has been one of the most popular players in the league since his arrival.
However, according to new reports, the Frenchman could be on his way back to Europe, and he could be on course to reunite with one of Real Madrid's most iconic managers at his newest club.
This surprise Karim Benzema reunion might roll back the years for Real Madrid fans
According to GOAL France (via Transfer News Live) newly appointed Benfica manager José Mourinho wants to bring Karim Benzema to the Portuguese club, most likely when the January transfer window rolls around next year.
Benzema would have played under Mourinho during the manager's time in charge of Real Madrid from 2010-2013. His best season under Mourinho came in the 11/12 season, where he scored 21 goals in 34 La Liga matches, a season in which they won the La Liga title. Benzema was also part of Mourinho's 10/11 Copa del Rey-winning squad and the 2012 Spanish Super Cup-winning squad.
The Frenchman was no doubt outshone by Cristiano Ronaldo during his time under José, but he still had a solid three years under his management. Since then, their paths have not crossed again, but they could, and it could be at a previously unlikely club.
Signing Benzema in January would be an interesting move to say the least. Benfica's current striker, Vangelis Pavlidis, has been a monster for the Lisbon club, scoring 21 goals in 38 appearances. Pavlidis is also only 26 years old, compared to Benzema who would be 38 by the time the January transfer window rolls around. José Mourinho has always had a unique way of thinking so don't rule out seeing Benzema in Benfica's famous red kit.
Should the Frenchman make the move, they would be on a collision course with Real Madrid on the final match day of the Champions League league phase on January 28th.